Force Gurkha 2013-2017 Hard Top BS3 4WD

Gurkha 2013-2017 Hard Top BS3 4WD Review

Force Motors is one of India's home bred automobile manufacturers, which is famous for their multi utility vehicles. At present, the company is selling only two models, among which Gurkha is one of their fearsome and rugged SUV. It is sold in quite a few variants, of which, Force Gurkha Hard Top BS3 4WD is their top end trim. It is giving a tough competition to the likes of Mahindra Thar, Maruti Gypsy, Premier Rio, Tata Sumo and other such vehicles in its segment. This variant is fitted with a power packed 2.6-litre turbocharged, inter cooled diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 2596cc. This diesel engine has the ability to generate 80.4bhp in combination with a maximum torque of 230Nm, which is quite sufficient for the Indian road and traffic conditions. It is mated with a smooth and proficient five speed manual transmission gear box, which distributes the engine power to its four wheels. The company has given this vehicle a large wheelbase along with decent ground clearance, which makes it capable for driving on every road conditions. Its handling is made easier with the help of a responsive power assisted steering system that is tilt adjustable as well. It is being offered with a standard warranty of three years or 100000 Kilometers, whichever is earlier. The customers can also avail an extended warranty of one or two years at an additional cost paid to authorized dealer.

Exteriors:

It is available in quite a few exterior paint options for the buyers to select from. The frontage has a bold radiator grille that is fitted with a few black colored horizontal slats and a prominent company insignia in the center. It is flanked by a round shaped headlight cluster, which is incorporated with halogen based lamps and side turn indicator. The black colored bumper houses a large air intake section for cooling the powerful engine quickly. This air dam is flanked by a couple of bright fog lamps that adds to the visibility, especially in bad weather conditions. The front windscreen is made up of laminated toughened glass and is equipped with a pair of intermittent wipers on it. Coming to its side profile, it is quite smooth and flowing with just a single door. Its door handles and outside rear view mirrors are finished in black color and are manually adjustable. The flared up wheel arches have been fitted with a set of modish light-weight 16-inch alloy wheels, which are covered with sturdy tubeless radial tyres. There are sliding windows for the second row seats. Its rear end gets a large tail gate for easier entry and exit. Then the bright tail lamp cluster is quite clear and radiant. The hard and sturdy roof has been fitted with a set of stylish black roof rails, which adds to the masculine appeal. The bumper is equipped with a couple of bright reflectors along with a courtesy lamp. 

Interiors:

The insides have been done up with a lot of refined aspects for the convenience of its passengers. The seats are quite comfortable with excellent space. These are covered with premium quality upholstery and gives a very urbane feel to the interiors. The cabin is designed in a two tone color scheme, while the plastic surface seems to be smooth and made up of high quality plastic. The dashboard is dark in color and equipped with features like AC vents, a four spoke steering wheel, an instrument cluster and glove box for storing a few things at hand. This instrument cluster is bright and fitted with a speedometer, a tripmeter, a tachometer and several other notification and warning lamps. It provides all the vital information to the driver, which will in turn make the drive comfortable and hassle free.

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, this variant is fitted with a 2.6-litre, intercooled diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 2596cc. It is compliant with Bharat Stage III emission standard and incorporated with a turbocharger. It enables the engine to churn out a maximum power of 80.4bhp at 3200rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 230Nm between 1800 to 2000rpm. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. This power plant is integrated with a direct injection fuel supply system that helps in delivering 15 Kmpl approximately on the highways and about 10.5 Kmpl in the city traffic conditions. This diesel motor is skilfully coupled with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which helps it in attaining a top speed in the range of 130 to 140 Kmph. At the same time, it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 17 seconds from a standstill.

Braking and Handling:

This SUV is bestowed with a dual circuit vacuum assisted hydraulic service brakes that are quite reliable. The front wheels are fitted with a robust set of disc brakes, while the rear ones have been equipped with a set of drum brakes. It is further assisted by adjusting type LCRV with auto wear adjuster. On the other hand, its front axle has an independent with solid torsion bar type of mechanism, while the rear one is assembled with a semi elliptical leaf spring. The internal cabin is blessed with a tubular ladder type based power assisted steering system, which supports a minimum turning radius of 5.8 meters.

Comfort Features:

For giving a pleasurable driving experience, the company has equipped the internal cabin with almost all necessary and utility based features. The list includes cup and bottle holders, power steering with tilt adjustable function, sleek digital clock with topper pad, side and rear foot steps, rear window demister and a few other such aspects. It is also equipped with a proficient air conditioner unit with heater and ventilation. This top end version also gets an advanced music system, which allows the passengers to listen to their favorite music.

Safety Features:

Its rigid body structure comes with impact beams and crumple zones, which reduces the impact of collision. The company has also integrated it with an advanced digital engine immobilizer that safeguards this vehicle from any unauthorized entry and theft. Then there are seat belts for all occupants, a rear wash and wipe function, a day and night internal rear view mirror, a centrally located fuel tank and high mounted stop lamp.


Pros:

1. Four wheel drive option enhances its ability to deal with any road conditions.
2. High ground clearance makes it any terrain capable.

Cons:

1. Can be upgraded to BSIV emission norms.
2. Lack of essential safety features is a big minus.